D.P.W. Administration

Recycling Hotline

Buildings & Shops, Dispatch, Sanitation, Signals & Streets

FAQ

It is the City's responsibility to remove snow from all streets in the interest of public safety. In doing so, the snow has to be pushed to the curbside, which unavoidably deposits snow in driveway openings. The City suggest that you wait until the plow goes by before clearing your driveway.

During a heavy prolonged snowfall, the first priority is to open up the emergency routes and main arteries before proceeding to the residential areas. The goal then becomes to clear all streets of snow accumulation within a reasonable time after snow stops falling.

The property owner is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of sidewalks.
In accordance with the Code of Ordinances, §355-14. depositing snow on streets and sidewalks is prohibited.
In accordance with the Code of Ordinances, §265-13. public sidewalks abutting upon private property shall be maintained and repaired by the owner of the property in accordance with the following provisions:
(1) The owner shall cause his or her sidewalk to be kept free of obstructions and in good repair and conditions and safe for public use.
(2) In the event that sidewalks become out of grade (a heave, movement or settlement greater than one inch), the owner shall bring the same into true grade.
(3) Where the owner shall fail or neglect to repair any sidewalk or bring the same to true grade within 45 days as determined by the Code Enforcement Bureau, the sidewalk shall be repaired or brought to grade by the Department of Public Works, and a bill for the expenses incurred shall be presented to the owner and collected in accordance with §§ 91 and 92 of the Second Class Cities Law of the State of New York. The bill presented to the owner shall include all City expenses, material and contractor costs.
(4) The accumulation of snow and ice on sidewalks must be removed within 24 hours after said accumulation ceases. In the event of noncompliance, the Code Enforcement Director may direct the Department of Public Works to clean said sidewalks, and a bill shall be presented to the owner as per Subsection I(3).
(5) In addition, the owners of commercial properties in areas defined as business or commercial districts under Chapter 410, Zoning, of the Code of the City of Binghamton, shall be required to maintain the sidewalk(s) abutting their property free of litter, trash and garbage and shall provide trash receptacles into which their patrons may dispose of all litter, trash and/or garbage generated by the provision of services or goods to their patrons.

When a street is scheduled for reconstruction, curbs, sidewalks, underground utilities, and the road surface are all replaced as part of the project. Generally speaking however, curbs and sidewalks are the responsibility of the property owner as stated in the City Ordinance. The Engineering Department offers a 50 - 50 rebate program, for which residents must sign up. The City then pays 50% of the cost for curb and/or sidewalk replacement and the property owner pays ther other 50%.

To report a street light that is out or in need of repair, please use the City of Binghamton App. You may also call our dispatch office at (607)772-7020. If possible, please include the pole number in your request.